QED 2016 tickets selling quickly—get yours before they’re gone!

Tickets to QED 2016 are still on sale, and already we’re set to be the biggest QED yet! To get your ticket to Europe’s largest weekend celebration of science and reason, taking place in Manchester from the 14th-16th October, visit qedcon.org.

With comedian and mathematician Matt Parker as MC, the final line-up for the QED main stage is now confirmed:

Susan Blackmore: psychologist and lecturer who has investigated paranormal phenomena and examined reports of ‘out of body’ experiences.

Michael Blastland: freelance writer and broadcaster who created the BBC radio series ‘More or Less’, examining statistical errors in the news and the role of risk in our lives.

Petra Boynton: Social Psychologist whose work in International Health Research focuses on sex and relationships during pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and parenthood.

Alexis Conran: actor, magician and presenter whose show ‘The Real Hustle’ showed viewers how easy it is to be conned, and how to spot a scam.

‘Dr Karl’ Kruszelnicki: one of Australia’s most recognisable science communicators, his Radio 4 show ‘Up All Night’ answers science questions from listeners on any topic.

Sally Le Page: host of the ‘Shed Science’ YouTube series exploring the world of biology, from genetics to behaviour, produced from her garden shed.

Cara Santa Maria: broadcaster, podcaster and science communicator who appears on the podcasts ‘Talk Nerdy’ and the ‘Skeptics Guide to the Universe’.

Mark Stevenson: writer and comedian whose book ‘The Optimist’s Tour of the Future’ took him in search of the technological breakthroughs to tackle the biggest threats of our age.

As well as our regular main-stage talks and breakout panel sessions, this year we’ve added an additional track, featuring live shows by some of the biggest skeptical podcasts out there, including Cognitive Dissonance, God Awful Movies, InKredulous and Skeptics with a K.

We’ve also announced a free pub quiz compiled and hosted by QI writer and former policeman Stevyn Colgan, plus a FREE day of skeptical talks, available to all, at QED Skepticamp. And we still have plenty more surprises still to announce…

I got the email because I was there last year and had a fantastic time, so I’ll be going again this year.

Events like this are not just about turning up and attending some fascinating talks, but is also very much about hanging out with lots of like minded people who are deeply passionate about science and rationalism. The one thing I can promise is that they don’t do dull.

How much does it cost?

It is truly grassroots, hence there is a desire to keep costs low just to cover expenses (anything left then gets donated). This year the cost for the entire weekend is £99 (or £69 for students).

What generally happens?

Perhaps the best way of answering that is to point you at my notes and pictures from last year …